Ten Things Every New Parent Must Know and Do

So you have had a new baby! Or maybe you're about to have one soon. How wonderful! Congratulations to you. A first baby is a precious thing. You only get to be first time parents once and someday you'll look back so fondly on these current days.

Having your first baby is a mixed blessing. It is joyous, truly, but it can be quite tricky. First time parents are learning to be parents. A new baby is totally a totally new experience. Here are ten tips and helpful suggestions that will help you to care for your new baby.

1. The first tip is to get a good, reliable car seat. You can't bring your new baby home from the hospital without it. It is one of those things that you just must have. Many of your local department stores will sell reasonably priced car seats. Make sure to read all tags very carefully. You'll need a car seat designed just for newborns. They are generally rear facing seat that are much smaller and meant just for the tiniest little ones.

2. The second thing every parents must know to do is to prepare baby's bed. Whether you use a crib or a bassinet baby will need a safe and comfortable spot to sleep. A new born sleeps all day and all night with the exception of feeding and changing times. You'll want to make sure that baby is placed close by so that you'll hear each time baby cries. Make sure it is safe. No fluffy bedding or stuffed animals as they can pose a suffocation risk.

3. The third thing to know when caring for your newborn baby is that they'll need certain items. You'll use these items to care for them. The third thing to do is to stock up on diapers. Whether you'll be using disposable or cloth you'll need bunches and bunches of them. A new baby get's changed an average of twelve times per day in the first weeks.

4. The fourth thing to know to do to care for your newborn is to also stock up on formula and feeding supplies. You'll need feeding supplies even if your breastfeeding. This will allow you to pump and store your milk. You'll also be able to use your own milk in bottles. New babies are fed generally every two hours. That's about twelve bottle per twenty-four hours. You'll want to have plenty of four ounce bottles for your newborn. If you will use formula you'll want to make sure to have a good supply of it. Formula is one of those needed things that you just can not run out of. A bottle brush is also a must have. Use the brush and hot, soapy water to clean your bottles often.

5. The fifth thing that parents must know is that baby will require many sets of clothing. Sleepers and one piece outfits are most comfortable for a newborn. Always think comfort not cuteness. What to do is to stock up on baby clothes. Create baby's wardrobe. Baby bodysuits are wonderful at keeping baby warm. You'll need at least ten sleepers, outfits, body suits, and pairs of socks. When baby is brand new even size 0-3 months will be large. They'll fit for a while.

6. The sixth thing to know to do is to swaddle baby. Baby will need receiving blankets. In the first days the are like clothing. To swaddle baby is to give them the comfort of the womb. They like the snugness and the feeling of security it brings. Here's how to do it. Lay out a receiving blanket. Lay baby on it. Fold up the bottom over baby's feet. Bring in one side and gently tuck it under and next to baby's side. Wrap the other side around the other way. There you have it, snug as a bug in a rug.

7. The seventh thing all parents must know is that baby will cry. What to do is to respond. There is always a reason for a newborn crying. Chances are they are soiled and need to be changed. They also are likely to need to be fed. Every two hours or so your baby will cry and need mainly these two things. They'll also have a cry for needing to burp, and wanting to be held.

8. The eighth thing to know to do is to burp your baby after every quarter to half an ounce. Baby will become very uncomfortable and unhappy if they have a burp stuck in their belly. It will produce a red face and pain. Baby will cry. The newest of babies should be gently patted on the back, propped up against your shoulder. Make sure to have a burp cloth handy because they'll often spit up a bit.

9. The ninth thing all parents of newborns must know to do is to cherish caring for their new babies. Yes, it can be exhausting and overwhelming. Holding your newborn in your arms as they are sleeping will wash away all of those frustrated feelings. You'll feel nothing but pure love and the satisfaction of being that baby's parent. Newborns love to be cuddled and held. The adore being loved and spoken to. They need this nurturing in order to thrive. It is actually very important for both you and your new baby to spend as much time together as possible. This creates the bond and caring for baby becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.

10. The tenth thing that new parents must know to do is know that it will all come in time. Parenting is a learning experience. The more you parent the more you learn. Make sure to take time for you. You must take care of yourself in order to properly take care of anyone else. Ask your spouse, or other family members to help out. Chances are they'd absolutely adore being able to feed or change baby. No one can resist a newborn! Taking breaks means you won't burn out. It will all come in time. Thanks for reading and take care!